There are two broad types of head injuries: Penetrating and non-penetrating.
Penetrating TBI (also known as open TBI) happens when an object pierces the skull (e.g., a bullet, shrapnel, bone fragment, or by a weapon such as hammer or knife) and enters the brain tissue. Penetrating TBI typically damages only part of the brain.
Non-penetrating TBI (also known as closed head injury or blunt TBI) is caused by an external force strong enough to move the brain within the skull. Causes include falls, motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, blast injury, or being struck by an object.
Some accidents such as explosions, natural disasters, or other extreme events can cause both penetrating and non-
penetrating TBI in the same person.
Signs and symptoms
Physical
Headache
Convulsions or seizures
Blurred or double vision
Unequal eye pupil size or dilation
Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
Nausea and vomiting
New neurologic deficit, such as slurred speech; weakness of arms, legs, or face; loss of balance
Cognitive/behavioral
Loss of or change in consciousness anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours
Decreased level of consciousness (e.g., hard to awaken)
Mild to profound confusion or disorientation
Problems remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
Changes in sleep patterns (e.g., sleeping more, difficulty falling or staying asleep); inability to waken from sleep
Frustration, irritability
Perception/sensation
Light-headedness, dizziness, vertigo, or loss of balance or coordination
Blurred vision
Hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears
Bad taste in the mouth
Sensitivity to light or sound
Mood changes or swings, agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior
Feeling anxious or depressed
Fatigue or drowsiness; a lack of energy or motivation
TBI in children
Children might be unable to let others know that they feel different following a blow to the head. A child with a TBI may display the following signs or symptoms:
Changes in eating or nursing habits
Persistent crying, irritability, or crankiness; inability to be consoled
Changes in ability to pay attention
Lack of interest in a favorite toy or activity
Changes in sleep patterns
Seizures
Sadness or depression
Loss of a skill, such as toilet training
Loss of balance or unsteady walking
Vomiting
Diagnosing TBI
CT Scan
MRI
neuropsychology: Glasgow coma scale
Medications to treat some of the symptoms of TBI may include:
Over-the-counter or prescribed pain medicines
Anticonvulsant drugs to treat seizures
Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots
Diuretics to help reduce fluid buildup and reduce pressure in the brain
Stimulants to increase alertness
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications to treat depression and feelings of fear and nervousness
Surgery: Relieving pressure inside the skull (inserting a special catheter through a hole drilled into the skull to drain fluids)
Removing debris or dead brain tissue (especially for penetrating TBI)
Removing hematomas
Repairing skull fractures
Rehabilitation:
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